Travel demands put Cutters under pressure

They boarded a flight early on Friday morning and will kick-off early to satisfy television requirements, prompting Illawarra Cutters coach Ian Millward to worry less about the threat posed by a giant New Zealand Warriors.

The travel toll worries Millward more than any huge Warriors pack his side is likely to face in Auckland.

"I think the biggest issue is being to cope with the travel," he said. "It's a long travel day on Friday, it's an early kick-off because it's on Fox and there's a lot of things that take them out of their comfort zone.

"That's the biggest hurdle for them because on the field ... that's what they're used to doing."

The Cutters surrendered 28 unanswered points to squander an early lead against the Tigers last week, while the Warriors were soundly beaten by Wentworthville.

Illawarra have been forced to make several changes to their side, with Sam Williams wearing the No 7 and Illawarra Coal League grand final hero Sam Duggan elevated into the halves.

Rory O'Brien, Dylan Strickland and recruit Nathan Smith are all expected to get their chance in the Cutters' squad on Saturday.

The Warriors have NRL-proven backs Konrad Hurrell and Carlos Tuimavave in their team.